Manicurist admits to being drug ringleader

in central Taiwan (2022/07/2)

Woman runs drug trafficking operation from luxury

apartment, flaunts wealth with money bouquet

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A young woman who lived a lavish

lifestyle and posed as a manicurist has confessed to being the

head of a drug trafficking ring in central Taiwan.

In January of this year, the Criminal Investigation Corps of the

Taichung City Police Department launched an investigation into

a drug trafficking group and found that its head was a 25-year-

old woman surnamed Chang (張), reported ETtoday. She was

found to have directed one man and three women to package,

deliver, promote, and sell millions of Taiwan dollars worth of

illegal drugs over the course of half a year.

Late last year, police busted a drug deal in which drug-filled

coffee packets were being sold online. At the time, police seized

more than 10 coffee packets, Ketamine, and more than

NT$100,000 (US$3,358) in illicit drug profits.

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After conducting an investigation, police found that the head of

the drug ring was Chang, who had officially been working as a

licensed manicurist. She was found to be renting a luxury

apartment for nearly NT$50,000 and had made millions in profit

in just half a year's time.

After obtaining a search warrant and a warrant for Chang's

arrest, they raided her residence in January of this year. When

she came to the door, Chang reportedly had a "terrified look on

her face."

Once inside, officers found a money-counting machine and

wealth-beckoning shrines featuring figurines such as a Jin Chan

(three-legged money toad), golden rooster, and a golden tiger.

There was even a bouquet made from NT$1,000 and NT$100

Taiwan dollar notes folded into the shape of flowers.

At the scene, police seized ketamine, narcotic coffee packets,

and drug-laced plum powder weighing nearly 700 grams and

having a street value of NT$1 million as well as NT$400,000 in

cash profits, reported SET News. Officers also confiscated

plastic packets, mobile phones, bankbooks, and the money

counter.

When questioned by police, Chang confessed to drug

trafficking, but she claimed she was not sure about the original

source of the drugs. She is now being investigated by

prosecutors for violating the Narcotics Hazard Prevention Act

(毒品危害防制條例) and the Organized Crime Prevention Act

(組織犯罪防制條例).